12.3.6: Procedure- Assisting with Changing a Clean (Non-Sterile) Dressing
Home Health Aides are able to provide assistance with or perform changing of clean dressings. They may not change sterile dressings. Sterile dressings are used over new, open, or draining wounds in which sterile technique must be maintained. This is to prevent introducing bacteria and other pathogens into the wound and causing infection. Clean (non-sterile) dressings are those applied to dry, closed wounds that have less risk of getting an infection. Personal Care Aides may not provide assistance with changing any dressings, whether they are clean or sterile.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Wash your hands.
- Assemble all necessary equipment.
- Provide for privacy and adequate lighting.
- Raise the bed to waist height. Lower the side rail nearest you where you will be working.
- Place a garbage can near the area where you will be working.
- Remove any clothing necessary that is over the old dressing.
- Wash your hands and don gloves.
- Clean a table to use in which to place your dressings and supplies by using a disinfectant.
- Remove wrappings from new dressing. Take care not to contaminate gloves by touching any surfaces. Lay new, clean dressings on a clean surface.
- Cut tape with clean scissors. Hang tape within reach on the edge of a clean table.
- Remove and discard old dressing. Peel off tape by pulling toward the center of the dressing.
- Carefully lift dressing off the wound. To prevent skin tearing or injury to the patient, hold the skin underneath the tape taut while pulling the tape off.
- Prevent the soiled dressing from touching the wound or other body parts of the patient or nearby surfaces or objects.
- Observe the wound for odor, drainage, color, and healing/not healing characteristics. Report these to a supervisor. Document findings.
- Remove and discard gloves. Wash your hands.
- Put on new gloves.
- Cleanse skin around wound, according to directions in the Care Plan and as directed by a supervisor.
- Apply a new dressing to the wound.
- Tape the new dressing in place. Ensure the new dressing is firmly secured.
- Discard all waste items.
- Remove and dispose of gloves. Wash your hands.
- Store unused supplies and clean working area.
- Document the procedure and any observations or changes in condition. Record and report any changes or observations of the wound.